It's summer in the other hemisphere

During the North American winter, our friends at Chainring Transit Authority in Sydney get to remind us of sunny and warm days elsewhere in the world. Winter is also a good time to reflect on those long comfortable days out, where one is able to become intimately consumed by her environs.

For me, one of the most enjoyable part of cold dark nights is sitting with a pile of maps and books, both planning and simply dreaming of trips I might take under my own power in the coming year. 2008 is shaping up to be juicy; at least another Cycle Oregon, Tour of the Unknown Coast, Chico Wildflower, and hopefully, if all goes as planned, a bicycle tour of Ireland's west coast. Oh, and at least one brevet. And aside from the big rides, I'm looking forward to the countless miles and adventures with my buddies and my lady.

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle."

Turn a key, melt a glacier. Turn a pedal, melt some fat.

Below is a little public service announcement from my friends at Chico Velo. I'm not sure who produced it, but maybe one of you out in the world wide internet can say.

I'm quite proud to live in a little town with such a passion for cycling. Thanks, Chico. And while I don't really subscribe to the cars=glaciers melting theories, the core message is still a good one: get out and ride your bike, fatty!